Commonwealth Bank’s Tips For Christmas Banking And Shopping

20 December 2004

The Commonwealth Bank has compiled the following tips for banking, making payments and shopping over the busy Christmas period.

Branch Banking Tips

We all know that the lead up to the Christmas break is a busy period and more people use our Bank branches. To avoid the busy periods of lunchtime and when the branch first opens and is about to close, try going to the branch around 10am or perhaps after lunch, say between 2pm and 3pm.

Try to do any non essential branch banking early (now).

When using branch facilities, remember other people are queuing and probably in a hurry too. Know exactly what you want to do at the branch when you go there, and have everything ready for the teller or customer service staff you'll be dealing with. Make it easy and faster for yourself by filling out any forms, slips or documents before joining the queue or complete them while in the queue, not when you reach the teller.

Alternatives to branch banking

There are many ways to pay bills, transfer money, check account details, withdraw cash etc - use NetBank, BPay, or the telephone for self-service banking and payments for electricity, water, council rates, phone, rent, insurance etc, and use ATMs or EFTPOS to get cash.

Shop and withdraw cash via EFTPOS in the one transaction, so reducing the number of transactions and avoiding the need to queue twice.

Use the secure quick deposit boxes for depositing cheques. You won't have to wait in a queue and staff will process the cheques after branch hours.

Security Tips

Protect the security of your PIN number when using ATMs, and take notice of people around you - if you think you have been followed or observed too closely leave and try a different ATM.

If an ATM appears not to be working properly, cancel your transaction before removing your card and tell the ATM’s owner.

Keep your credit or debit card in sight during a transaction, which should be done in front of you at the EFTPOS terminal (not below the counter or in a back room), don’t leave the card on the counter and keep it safe always.

If ordering goods by phone be careful giving out your credit card details - ensure you are dealing with legitimate companies.

For internet purchases, also look for a 'key' or 'padlock' icon at the bottom of your web browser. This will indicate whether or not the merchant's site offers an encrypted line of communications to protect your details.

A Final Tip

Spread the Christmas spirit – it’s a busy time for all and the bigger crowds create queues everywhere, not just in banks - be patient and think ahead.